Jean-François Clervoy, ESA astronaut and science centre advocate
Space is sexy again. So say leading scientists who’ve seen a resurgence in interest following recent blockbusters like Gravity, Interstellar and The Martian. That’s led to renewed interest in real-life astronauts and inspired thousands to engage in space-related activities.
Jean-François Clervoy, of the European Space Agency, is one of the world’s most experienced astronauts. A veteran of three NASA Space Shuttle missions and 28 days in space, the 57-year-old was advocating the importance of space exploration for science centres and STEM education at the Ecsite Annual Conference in June.
“Space programmes motivate engineers and scientists to find solutions to problems that can be spun off on Earth,” Clervoy told Attractions Management. “The lessons we are learning in space, we’re then teaching to the next generation via our science centres and planetariums.”
Clervoy, who carried out his first space mission in 1994, says he used part of his time in space to inspire those thinking about following in his footsteps.
“The ISS [International Space Station] airs live links with astronauts to schools, science museums and planetariums,” says Clervoy. “Tim Peake is a recent example. Every astronaut does this several times within the course of a six-month mission.”
STEM students Clervoy believes the success of NASA has a direct effect on the number of students who pursue science and engineering.
“The NASA budget correlates with the number of PHDs earned in STEM subjects,” he says. “The inspiration for young people to take up science is clearly demonstrated. When you have an attractive programme and good promotion, it can get a lot of people invested in science.”
A 2015 report by NASA highlighted the fact that it creates the demand for aeronautic research and development which persuades graduates to choose these subjects. “As the funding for aeronautics has decreased by more than half over the last decade, the number of younger faculty and graduate students decreased,” it says.
Space tourism Much has been touted about the rise of space tourism. Clervoy, however, says the costs of such a trip will continue to limit the experience to a select few. “We will see more space tourism in the coming years, and by the 2020s, we’ll also see some kind of outpost for space tourists.”
While space tourism is unobtainable for most, Clervoy proffers cheaper alternatives.
“If you want to experience the feeling of being in space, sub-orbital flight is an option,” he says. “It’s far less energetic than orbital flight and far less expensive. It costs a few hundred thousand euros – and the market says there are thousands of people ready to pay for that.”
If several hundred thousand is still outside your space budget, Clervoy suggests the best alternative on Earth.
“If you cannot go to space yourself, watch IMAX movies made by astronauts,” he says. “Space Station 3D and Hubble 3D are great options. And I think thanks to new entertainment technology like VR we will soon be able to give people a sensation that feels close to the real thing.”
Read more from this issue of Attractions Management magazine
View contents of Attractions Management 2016 issue 3
Editor’s Letter: Place-Shifting
Technology is giving us the
power to Place-Shift experiences
to create on-demand, immersive
attractions in any location
Promotional Feature: EAS - Beautiful Horizons
The attractions industry is set to descend upon one of Europe’s
most inspiring cities – Barcelona. And if it’s inspiration
you’re looking for, the Euro Attractions Show is the place
Theme Parks: Desert Operations
On the brink of an entertainment revolution, Dubai looks forward to three major theme park openings. Attractions Management caught up with key decision- makers from the upcoming attractions
Mystery Shopper: Disney Delights
Disneyland Shanghai is the company’s first new theme park resort since 2005 and its biggest investment to date. TEA president-elect David Willrich went undercover to find out what Disney’s doing differently
Analysis: Part 3 - Benchmarking
Consultant David Camp asks how we measure success as he focuses on benchmarking and market penetration rates in part three of the series
Opinion: Media Frenzy
Is it time for media-based rides to raise their game? Gavin and Jason Fox, creative directors from Oscar-winning special effects studio Framestore, believe Hollywood-standard content is the next step for the industry
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally
opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its
next phase. [more...]
Jean-François Clervoy, ESA astronaut and science centre advocate
Space is sexy again. So say leading scientists who’ve seen a resurgence in interest following recent blockbusters like Gravity, Interstellar and The Martian. That’s led to renewed interest in real-life astronauts and inspired thousands to engage in space-related activities.
Jean-François Clervoy, of the European Space Agency, is one of the world’s most experienced astronauts. A veteran of three NASA Space Shuttle missions and 28 days in space, the 57-year-old was advocating the importance of space exploration for science centres and STEM education at the Ecsite Annual Conference in June.
“Space programmes motivate engineers and scientists to find solutions to problems that can be spun off on Earth,” Clervoy told Attractions Management. “The lessons we are learning in space, we’re then teaching to the next generation via our science centres and planetariums.”
Clervoy, who carried out his first space mission in 1994, says he used part of his time in space to inspire those thinking about following in his footsteps.
“The ISS [International Space Station] airs live links with astronauts to schools, science museums and planetariums,” says Clervoy. “Tim Peake is a recent example. Every astronaut does this several times within the course of a six-month mission.”
STEM students Clervoy believes the success of NASA has a direct effect on the number of students who pursue science and engineering.
“The NASA budget correlates with the number of PHDs earned in STEM subjects,” he says. “The inspiration for young people to take up science is clearly demonstrated. When you have an attractive programme and good promotion, it can get a lot of people invested in science.”
A 2015 report by NASA highlighted the fact that it creates the demand for aeronautic research and development which persuades graduates to choose these subjects. “As the funding for aeronautics has decreased by more than half over the last decade, the number of younger faculty and graduate students decreased,” it says.
Space tourism Much has been touted about the rise of space tourism. Clervoy, however, says the costs of such a trip will continue to limit the experience to a select few. “We will see more space tourism in the coming years, and by the 2020s, we’ll also see some kind of outpost for space tourists.”
While space tourism is unobtainable for most, Clervoy proffers cheaper alternatives.
“If you want to experience the feeling of being in space, sub-orbital flight is an option,” he says. “It’s far less energetic than orbital flight and far less expensive. It costs a few hundred thousand euros – and the market says there are thousands of people ready to pay for that.”
If several hundred thousand is still outside your space budget, Clervoy suggests the best alternative on Earth.
“If you cannot go to space yourself, watch IMAX movies made by astronauts,” he says. “Space Station 3D and Hubble 3D are great options. And I think thanks to new entertainment technology like VR we will soon be able to give people a sensation that feels close to the real thing.”
Read more from this issue of Attractions Management magazine
View contents of Attractions Management 2016 issue 3
Editor’s Letter: Place-Shifting
Technology is giving us the
power to Place-Shift experiences
to create on-demand, immersive
attractions in any location
Promotional Feature: EAS - Beautiful Horizons
The attractions industry is set to descend upon one of Europe’s
most inspiring cities – Barcelona. And if it’s inspiration
you’re looking for, the Euro Attractions Show is the place
Theme Parks: Desert Operations
On the brink of an entertainment revolution, Dubai looks forward to three major theme park openings. Attractions Management caught up with key decision- makers from the upcoming attractions
Mystery Shopper: Disney Delights
Disneyland Shanghai is the company’s first new theme park resort since 2005 and its biggest investment to date. TEA president-elect David Willrich went undercover to find out what Disney’s doing differently
Analysis: Part 3 - Benchmarking
Consultant David Camp asks how we measure success as he focuses on benchmarking and market penetration rates in part three of the series
Opinion: Media Frenzy
Is it time for media-based rides to raise their game? Gavin and Jason Fox, creative directors from Oscar-winning special effects studio Framestore, believe Hollywood-standard content is the next step for the industry
A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii
is preparing to open near the world-famous archaeological site in southern Italy.
Experience design company, BRC Imagination Arts, has completed a transition that sees founder
Bob Rogers pass ownership of the business to four long-serving senior executives, while
remaining actively involved with the company.
Movie Park Germany has opened a new Paramount Pictures-themed attraction as part of its 30th
anniversary celebrations, using immersive storytelling and adaptive reuse to reinforce the park’s
longstanding “Hollywood in Germany” positioning.
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions
that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once
complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK.
Efteling has opened Hooghmoed, a new family drop tower designed to broaden the appeal of its
recently launched Sirene Island themed area and introduce younger visitors to thrill attractions.
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’
planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–
Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism inv
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-
Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional
revenue opportunities.
The UK government has announced a temporary reduction in VAT on visitor attractions and
children’s meals as part of a summer cost-of-living support package designed to stimulate the
visitor economy and encourage family days out.
As designer Yinka Ilori prepares for his first solo gallery show in London, he speaks exclusively
to CLADmag about his mission to spread joy, the power of play, and his bold approach to using
colour (including the colours you won’t see in his work).
The government of Thailand is exploring plans for a THB300bn (£6.3bn, US$8.3bn)
entertainment complex in the country’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), with officials
proposing a large-scale theme park and sports destination as part of a broader tourism and
economic development strategy.
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally
opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its
next phase. [more...]
